Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

Last updated

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mamallapuram 104.jpg
Nakula and Sahadeva Ratha
Location Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India
Part ofMain complex of Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Criteria Cultural: (i), (ii), (iii), (vi)
Reference 249-001
Inscription1984 (8th Session)
Coordinates 12°37′03″N80°11′56″E / 12.61750°N 80.19889°E / 12.61750; 80.19889
India Tamil Nadu relief map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Nakula Sahadeva Ratha in Tamil Nadu
India relief location map.jpg
Red pog.svg
Nakula Sahadeva Ratha (India)

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha is a monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630–680 AD; also called Mamalla, or "great warrior") of the Pallava Kingdom. The entire complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. [1]

Contents

Resembling a chariot (ratha), it is carved out of a single, long stone of pink granite. [1] [2] [3] Though sometimes mistakenly referred to as a temple, the structure was not consecrated because it was not completed [4] following the death of Narasimhavarman I. [2] [3] [5] The structure is named after the last two brothers of the Pancha Pandavas, of epic Mahabharata fame, [1] [3] [6] though the nomenclature is not supported by history. [7] The small unfinished structure is dedicated to the god Indra.

Geography

The structure is located at Mahabalipuram (previously known as Mammallapuram) on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean in Kancheepuram district. It is approximately 35 miles (56 km) south of Chennai (previously known as Madras), the capital city, [8] while Chengalpattu is about 20 miles (32 km) distant. [9]

The ratha complex is situated close to the shore line. Though the Nakula Sahadeva ratha is part of the Pancha Rathas, it is situated separate from the other four rathas. The Nakula-Sahadeva faces south, while the Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna and Draupadi Rathas face west. [5] [10] [11] The view from outside the ratha has similarity with the Chaitya Hall of a Buddhist temple, though on a small scale. [12]

Etymology

Though it is considered to be a monolith temple, "temple" is misnomer given that the five rathas were never completed, [13] as evidenced by uncarved bed rock at the pinnacle. Hence, the rathas were neither consecrated nor worship offered. The structure is named after the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, the last two born of the five Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata fame. [14] Nakula Sahadeva is also referred to as "Gajaprishtakara", [15] a Sanskrit technical name for the backside of an elephant. [16]

History

Plan of Sahadeva's Ratha Plan Sahadeva's Ratha.png
Plan of Sahadeva's Ratha

The feature of this ratha and the other four cannot be definitively dated to any similar constructions in ancient Indian architecture. However, the five rathas have served as forerunners or templates for the development of Indian temple architecture. Like the other four Pancha Rathas, this stone edifice is a replica of a wooden version which preceded it. [17] Though it is considered to be a monolith temple, "temple" is a misnomer given that the five rathas were never completed, [13] as evidenced by uncarved bedrock at the pinnacle. Hence, the rathas were neither consecrated nor worship offered. The incomplete status of all the five rathas is attributed to the death of the king Narasimhavarman I in 668 AD. [6] [18] Even the epic name associated with the Pandavas is not supported by history. Along with several other monuments, this ratha gained UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction in 1984 as "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram". [1]

Architecture

Sculpture of an Elephant situated next to the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha Elephant ratha.JPG
Sculpture of an Elephant situated next to the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

All the Pancha Rathas are aligned in a north–south direction and share a common plinth. They have no precedent in Indian architecture and have proved to be "templates" for building larger temples in the South Indian tradition of Dravidian temple architecture. [6] Though cut out of monolithic rocks, they are carved in the form of structural temples in regular building form and hence termed as "quasimonolithic temple form".

Layout

Viewed from the entrance gate, which is facing north, it is in curved shape, and appears like the backside of an elephant and hence the style is termed gajapristha (back of an elephant). To add to this epithet, a large sized elephant sculpture, a monolithic sculpture, is carved next to the ratha. [14] [18] [19] The ratha is classified under the vasara style. [20] This monolithic structure, along with the other Pancha Rathas, opposite to the Arjuna Ratha, was built out of a single rock outcrop of granite. It is an apsidal (horseshoe-shaped) dvitala (two tiered) free standing structure, entirely of Dravidian architecture. It is built on the same base, at the end of the three rathas of Dharmaraja, Bhima and Arjuna, but facing south. There are no idols to worship inside the ratha. The walls of this ratha also have features arranged in a sequence to delineate the "projections and recesses created by pairs of shallow pilasters." The niches on the interior walls of the ratha have carved images of gods and demi-gods. The roof (in the form of the back of an elephant) terminates as a pyramid or finial or shikara, which is carved with motifs. The unusual architecture of this ratha is said to be an innovation of the architect. [19]

Features

Simha Vahana on the back side of the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha 6 . simha vahana in front of the sanctum ; sahadeva ratha also seen behind.JPG
Simha Vahana on the back side of the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

The ratha with its simple layout has least embellishments. The apses on the front facade, which is also the mukha-mandapa (entrance porch) of the ratha has no decorations and the façade is supported on two pillars mounted on lion-base. The chamber inside is flanked by two pilasters with elephant carvings depicted as the guardians. The cornice, all along the shrine, is supported on pillars with corbels and embellished with kudus (horseshoe-shaped dormer windows) with images of human head inside. [18]

The carvings were sculpted from the top to the bottom of rathas. [21] The sculpture in the form of reliefs on the walls inside the ratha is of Ardhanariswara. [22] It is also mentioned that this ratha is dedicated to Candesa, and the elephant sculpture placed outside the ratha is considered an unusual location, as a Vahana or a mount of god, while it is normally placed in front of the ratha). [23] In the two storeys above the ground floors (above the cornices) oblong gabled shrines and square corner shrines are seen which are interlinked by a cloister all around the edge. On the west side, which is gabled, carvings seen are of three gates. In the central door the shrine sculpted with a square tower has a finial on top. The uppermost floor is apsidal and has a large kudu with a shrine inside. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mamallapuram</span> Suburban of Chennai city in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India

Mamallapuram, is a town in Chengalpattu district in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. It is one of the famous tourist sites in India. The ancient name of the place is Thirukadalmallai. It is a part of Chennai Metropolitan Area. It is a satellite town of Chennai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sahadeva</span> Character from Indian epic Mahabharata; 5th Pandava

Sahadeva was the youngest of the five Pandava brothers in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He and his twin brother Nakula were the sons of Madri, one of the wives of the Pandava patriarch Pandu, and Ashvini Kumaras, the divine twin physicians of the gods, whom she invoked to beget her sons due to Pandu's inability to progenate. Kunti, Sahadeva's step-mother, loved him the most despite his birth to Madri. Sahadeva is renowned for his wisdom, knowledge of astrology, and skill in swordsmanship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Narasimhavarman I</span> Pallava Monarch from 630 to 668

Narasimhavarman I was a Pallava emperor who reigned from 630 CE to 668 CE. He shared his father Mahendravarman I's love of art and completed the works started by Mahendravarman in Mamallapuram. During his reign, the famous Pancha Rathas, a monolithic rock-cut temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian rock-cut architecture</span> The creation of structures, buildings, and sculptures by excavating solid rock

Indian rock-cut architecture is more various and found in greater abundance in that country than any other form of rock-cut architecture around the world. Rock-cut architecture is the practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock. Rock that is not part of the structure is removed until the only rock left makes up the architectural elements of the excavated interior. Indian rock-cut architecture is mostly religious in nature.

"Seven Pagodas" has served as a nickname for the southern Indian city of Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram, since the first European explorers reached it. The phrase "Seven Pagodas" refers to a belief that has circulated in India, Europe, and other parts of the world for over eleven centuries. The group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, including the Shore Temple built in the 8th century under the reign of Narasimhavarman II, stand at the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Legend has it that six other temples once stood with it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple</span> Vishnu temple in Chengannur

The Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu,located in Chengannur, Alappuzha District, Kerala, South India. Constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, by Nammalvar, one of the Sri Vaishnava saint-poets of the 8th century called the Alvars. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is worshipped as Imayavarappan. The nearest railway station to the temple is located in Chengannur, while the nearest airports are Trivandrum International Airport and Nedupumpassery Airport Ernakulam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thiruvanvandoor

The Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and located in Thiruvanvandoor, Alappuzha District, Kerala, South India. Constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Paambanaiappan. The nearest railway station to the temple is located in Chengannur, while the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram</span> UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu, India

The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is a collection of 7th- and 8th-century CE religious monuments in the coastal resort town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Chennai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pancha Rathas</span> UNESCO World Heritage monument complex in India

Pancha Rathas is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Chengalpattu district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The complex was initially thought to have carved during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I However, historians such as Nagaswamy attributed all of monuments in Mahabalipuram to Narasimhavarman II with the discovery of new inscriptions. The complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed by UNESCO in 1984 as Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varaha Cave Temple</span> UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu, India

Varaha Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple located at Mamallapuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu, India. It is part of the hill top village, which is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the north of the main Mahabalipurm sites of rathas and the Shore Temple. It is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century. The temple is one of the finest testimonial to the ancient Hindu rock-cut cave architecture, out of many such caves also called mandapas. Part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as inscribed in 1984 under criteria i, ii, iii and iv. The most prominent sculpture in the cave is that of the Hindu god Vishnu in the incarnated form of a Varaha or boar lifting Bhudevi, the mother earth goddess from the sea. Also carved are many mythical figures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shore Temple</span> 8th-century Hindu temple

The Shore Temple is a complex of temples and shrines that overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is located in Mahabalipuram, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dharmaraja Ratha</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Dharmaraja Ratha is a monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I of the Pallava Kingdom. The entire complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arjuna Ratha</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Arjuna Ratha is a monument from the Pallava Period at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. Dated to the seventh century, it is an example of early Dravidian architecture and of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century during reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I of the Pallava Kingdom. One of the Pancha Rathas, it is believed to have been completed before the Dharmaraja Ratha, and like that and the Bhima Ratha, the stone temple is a replica of an earlier wooden version which preceded it. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhima Ratha</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Bhima Ratha is a monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I of the Pallava Kingdom. The entire complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Draupadi Ratha</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

The Draupadi Ratha is a monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, previously called Mamallapuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I of the Pallava Kingdom. The entire complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Descent of the Ganges (Mahabalipuram)</span> UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu, India

Descent of the Ganges, known locally as Arjuna's Penance, is a monument at Mamallapuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Chengalpattu district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Measuring 96 by 43 feet, it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders. The legend depicted in the relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site. The relief is more of a canvas of Indian rock cut sculpture at its best not seen anywhere else in India. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahishasuramardini Mandapa</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century, of the Pallava dynasty. It is a rock-cut cave temple located on a hill, near a lighthouse, along with other caves in Mamallapuram. Mamallapuram, also popularly known as Mahabalipuram, is a small village to the south of Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1984. This Cave Temple has many interesting architectural features of which three exquisitely carved reliefs on the cave walls of three sanctums are prominent. One is of Vishnu reclining on the seven hooded serpent, Adishesha, another of Durga, the main deity of the cave temple Durga slaying the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura, and the third sanctum has a sculpture of Shiva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ganesha Ratha</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Ganesha Ratha is a temple in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of ten rathas ("chariots") carved out of pink granite within the group of monuments of the Pallava Period at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site since 1984. The ratha is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late seventh century during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Initially constructed with a Shiva Linga, it is now deified with a Ganesha deity after the linga was removed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panchapandava Cave Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Panchapandava Cave Temple is a monument at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The mandapa is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. It is the largest cave temple in Mahabalipuram. It is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century. The temple is one of the finest testimonial to the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis, of rock-cut cave architecture, out of many such caves also called mandapas. Part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as inscribed in 1984 under criteria i, ii, iii and iv.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pallava art and architecture</span> Architectural style in 7th-century India

Pallava art and architecture represent an early stage of Dravidian art and architecture which blossomed to its fullest extent under the Chola Dynasty. The first stone and mortar temples of South India were constructed during Pallava rule and were based on earlier brick and timber prototypes.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram". UNESCO. Retrieved 3 March 2007.
  2. 1 2 "File:Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram.jpg". Archarological Survey of India, Chennai Circle. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Pancha Rathas, Mamallapuram". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  4. ↑ Marilyn Stokstad (2008). Art history. Pearson Education. p. 333. ISBN   9780131577046.
  5. 1 2 "Mahabalipuram". UCLA Education, South Asia. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 "The Rathas, monolithic [Mamallapuram]". Online Gallery of the British Library. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  7. ↑ File:Infoboard board of Pancha Rathas.jpg
  8. ↑ Gunther, Michael D. "Pancha Rathas, Mamallapuram". art-and-archaeology.com. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  9. ↑ Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1982). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated. Asian Educational Services. pp. 157–. ISBN   978-81-206-0151-2 . Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  10. ↑ Williams, Joanna Gottfried (1981). Kalādarśana: American Studies in the Art of India. BRILL. pp. 57–. ISBN   978-90-04-06498-0 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  11. ↑ "A monumental effort". Front Line India's National Magazine from the publishers of The Hindu. 8 November 2003. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  12. ↑ Subramanian, K. R. (1 January 1996). Buddhist Remains in Āndhra and the History of Āndhra Between 225 & 610 A.D. Asian Educational Services. pp. 35–. ISBN   978-81-206-0444-5 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  13. 1 2 Stokstad, Marilyn (2008). Art history. Pearson Education. p. 333. ISBN   9780131577046.
  14. 1 2 Schreitmüller, Karen; Dhamotharan, Mohan; Szerelmy, Beate (14 February 2012). India Baedeker Guide. Baedeker. pp. 589–. ISBN   978-3-8297-6622-7 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  15. ↑ Singh, Sarina (1 September 2009). India 13. Lonely Planet. pp. 1060–. ISBN   978-1-74179-151-8 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  16. ↑ Abram, David; Edwards, Nick (1 February 2004). Rough Guide to South India 3. Rough Guides. pp. 447–. ISBN   978-1-84353-103-6 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  17. ↑ Moffett, Marian; Fazio, Michael W.; Wodehouse, Lawrence (2003). World History of Architecture. Laurence King Publishing. p. 75. ISBN   978-1-85669-371-4 . Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "Mahabalipuram – The Workshop of Pallavas – Part III". 6. Ganesha Ratha. Indian History and Architecture, Puratattva.in. Archived from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  19. 1 2 "World Heritage Sites – Mahabalipuram: Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram (1984), Tamil Nadu". Archaeological Survey of India by National Informatics Centre. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  20. ↑ Rajan, K. V. Soundara (1978). The art of south India: Tamil Nadu & Kerala. Sundeep Prakashan. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  21. ↑ Gupta, Shobhna (2003). Monuments Of India. Har-Anand Publications. pp. 32–. ISBN   978-81-241-0926-7 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  22. ↑ "Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram". Wonder Mondo.com. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  23. ↑ Williams, Joanna Gottfried (1981). Kalādarśana: American Studies in the Art of India. BRILL. pp. 65–. ISBN   978-90-04-06498-0 . Retrieved 3 January 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.